Netflixand its ever-expanding library ofanimetitles has aided the increase of the medium’s popularity in recent years. It has allowed fans and newcomers access to some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed series. From the magnificent visuals and detailed storylines of fantasy sagas to the subtle nuances and character development of slice-of-life, anime has proved itself a limitless medium.
As for Netflix’s library, whether you’re drawn to heart-pounding action or romantic comedies, the catalog is remarkable. The streaming giant is continuously investing in acquiring rights tothe latest and greatest anime titles. Each month, a new series worthy of bingeing arrives on the platform and offers viewers the opportunity to explore the very best of what anime has to offer. This list is a compilation of the 10 best anime series currently available on Netflix. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a great place to begin with.
10’Komi Can’t Communicate' (2021)
Komi Can’t Communicate
In the bustling corridors of the elite Itan Private High School, a beautiful girl named Shouko Komi attracts everyone’s attention. But beneath her calm personality, she hides a secret – Komi suffers from extreme social anxiety and struggles to connect with her peers. That is until the well-meaning Tadano Hitohito discovers her secret and decides to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends.
How to Overcome Social Anxiety 101
Komi Can’t Communicatehas a touching narrative, and even though the premise seems ordinary, it is a relatable exploration of thecomplex social landscape that is high school. The series balances humor and heart and showcases how Komi overcomes her communication problems. The cast is endearing, and the aesthetic is sharp. Its soft premise and uplifting message about the importance of empathy have won the anime major praise.
9’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Vinland Saga
Adapted from Makoto Yukimura’s historical manga of the same name,Vinland Sagatakes viewers back to the times of Viking warfare, when the world was shrouded in the aftermath of a bitter and bloody conflict. The story revolves around Thorfinn, a young warrior haunted by the ghosts of his past and consumed by a thirst for revenge as he looks for the cruel mercenary leader, Askeladd, as well as the storied land of Vinland.
An Epic Saga of Revenge and Redemption
The sweeping scope ofthis historical animealone makes it one of the best series currently streaming on Netflix. To add to the appeal, it delves into the protagonist’s coming-of-age, all while exploring the brutal realities of war and the mythical tales that inspire his people. The series is also a deeply introspective character study, because Thorfinn’s pursuit of vengeance eventually gives way to a more profound search for meaning.
8’Monster' (2004)
A psychologically intense and gritty drama,Monsterrevolves around brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Kenzō Tenma, who, on an unassuming night, chooses to save a young boy’s life over that of the town’s mayor. His kindness backfires when the boy he saves turns out to be a sociopathic serial killer. When he’s blamed, Tenma finds himself thrust into a relentless pursuit of the enigmatic Johan Liebert, a man he once saved.
Intricate and Riveting Psychological Thriller
What makesMonsterso compelling is the flawless combination of suspenseful storytelling, grappling with moral dilemmas, and intense character development. The series dives into a conspiracy that stretches across decades and continents and forces Tenma to choose between being a hero and a villain. Adapted from the acclaimed manga by Naoki Urasawa to precision, its atmospheric visual style, haunting score, and palpable tension make it exceptional.
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7’Dragon Ball DAIMA' (2024)
Dragon Ball DAIMA
For fans of the franchise, this latest installment in the iconicDragon Ballsaga is a treat. Set after the defeat of Kid Buu and beforeDragon Ball Super,Dragon Ball DAIMAbegins with Goku and friends shrinking to the size of kids due to a conspiracy at the hands of the new King of the demons. They must navigate the Demon Realm and uncover secrets about the universe.
Vibrant and Action-Packed Adventure
It’s clear how much Chikashi Kubota, and by extension Toei Animation, respects theDragon Ballmedia franchise because, visually,the series is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. A fusion of thrilling fight sequences, intricate lore, and new and familiar faces, it makes sure viewers’ excitement is escalated with each episode. The entire universe is refreshing but also reminiscent of the other series thanks to Akira Toriyama’s inspirational work.
6’Dorohedoro' (2020)
Dorohedoro
MAPPAis undoubtedly one of the best animation studios out there. ForDorohedoro, it creates a dystopia where the world is divided into three realms and chaos and sorcery reign supreme. The story follows Caiman, an amnesiac man with a reptile head looking to uncover the truth about his identity. He teams up with Nikaido, his trusted companion, and looks for the sorcerer responsible for his hideous transformation to get him to undo the spell.
Bizarre and Beautiful Masterpiece
Caiman’s journey inDorohedorois filled with bizarre encounters and brutal confrontations. Throughout the season, the intrigue is at a peak and surprises are constant. The anime won acclaim for its unique and endearing characters, visually striking aesthetic, and richly detailed fantastical elements. Beyond the show’s technical achievements, it also explores themes of identity and revenge.
5’Pluto' (2023)
Offering an interesting spin on Osamu Tezuka’sAstro Boyandadapting the manga serieswritten and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki,Plutotells the story of Gesicht, a brilliant robot detective who is tasked with investigating a series of mysterious murders targeted at the most advanced robots and their creators. What Gesicht finds is a labyrinth of conspiracies and a massive upcoming devastation.
A Cerebral Whodunit
Plutois a recent success in the animated medium. It excels in both storytelling and exploring thought-provoking themes. The series has a complex narrative that presents a reality where robots and humans coexist and the concept of consciousness is layered. Some understand what it is to be alive. Unfolding like an elegant and moody detective novel, the episodes keep you hooked through suspense and ambiguity.
4’Jujutsu Kaisen' (2020)
Jujutsu Kaisen
In the world ofJujutsu Kaisen, evil curses manifest from the negative emotions of humans. The protagonist is a high school student named Yuji Itadori, who accidentally consumes a powerful cursed artifact – an ancient finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna – and becomes a vessel for him. He joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers and uses his newfound abilities to battle various malevolent curses.
Stylish and Endlessly Rewatchable
Jujutsu Kaisensurpassed the popularity of anime mainstays likeNaruto,One Piece, andBleachsince debuting in 2020. It’s a shining example of the genre at its best because it flawlessly combines the pulse-pounding action and character-driven storyline with mature themes and gritty violence. Its central story of power and sacrifice is punctuated by the stunning animation and dynamic soundtrack. Two seasons and a prequel film later, it has fans eagerly waiting for another season.
3’Haikyuu!!' (2014)
Another must-watch anime series currently available on Netflix isHaikyuu!!Set in the exhilarating world of high school volleyball, it follows Shoyo Hinata, who is so inspired by a legendary player known as “The Little Giant,” that he enrolls into his school’s volleyball club despite his short stature. Over the years, with a ragtag team of players, Hinata gets better, becomes a top-tier volleyball player, and brings his team national victory.
It’s All About Team Spirit
Stories about underdogs arealways a hit in the sports genre.Haikyuu!!is adapted from the beloved manga written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate and it captures the intense matches, the camaraderie between players, the brutal rivalries, and the personal growth of each character across its four seasons. The animation is colorful, and it brings out the richness of the story. A sequel film to the series, titledHaikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, was released in 2024.
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2’Ranma ½' (2024)
The iconic slapstick action-packed rom-com gets a remake treatment from MAPPA exclusively for Netflix. Like the original, it follows Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist, who suffers from a peculiar curse where he transforms into a girl whenever he’s splashed with cold water. And hot water seems to reverse the condition. Ranma’s strong-willed fiancée Akane Tendo, learns about this and freaks out.
Brings Back the Nostalgia
Ranma ½is a true classic. It delighted viewers back in the day and the remake is just as uproariously funny and surprisingly poignant. It brings back a host of quirky characters as they navigate several adventures and martial arts tournaments, all while looking for a way to reverse Ranma’s curse. MAPPA is anyway renowned for its visuals and this is a refreshing take on a beloved classic, so what can go wrong, really?
1’Dandadan' (2024)
Dandadanrevolves around two distinct individuals. Ken Takakura, or Okuran, is a shy high school student with an interest in the extraterrestrial, and Momo Ayase is a seemingly ordinary girl who believes in ghosts but is not fascinated by aliens. After a bet goes wrong, the two are thrust into a whirlwind of paranormal events and are forced to use their extraordinary powers to battle everything from spirits to aliens.
An Exceptionally Entertaining Shonen Anime
The hype aroundDandadanwas so strong that as soon as the anime arrived on Netflix, it was a major hit. It stood out with itsincredible and stylish action sequencesas well as its powerful celebration of friendship and personal growth. Helmed by Science Saru, its animation is highly creative and precise enough to capture the frenetic energy and pulse-pounding intensity of the action scenes. Plus, the source material itself is so revered that the adaptation is naturally a hit.
